Suspect in custody, victims identified after bank robbery turns deadly in Berea
The suspect from the fatal shooting that took place during a bank robbery in Berea Thursday is in custody, according to police.
The Berea Police Department announced the arrest Friday morning on Facebook. Kentucky State Police Trooper Justin Kearney also confirmed the arrest, saying a person of interest connected with the incident was apprehended.
“This was a team effort,” Kearney said on social media. “Appreciate the assistance from the Lexington Police Department, our federal partners, and the other agencies involved.”
The incident happened around 2 p.m. at the U.S. Bank on Chestnut Street in Berea. Two people died and were identified late Thursday. Kearney said the victims were Breanna Edwards, 35, of Madison County, and Brian Switzer, 42, of Jessamine County. Trooper Scottie Pennington said the victims were employees of the bank.
“Our hearts are with their families and the whole Berea community,” Kearney said.
The suspect fled the bank before police arrived, and officers quickly began searching the area.
Troopers spotted the suspect’s vehicle in Berea later Thursday afternoon, Kearney said during a press conference Thursday night, which was live-streamed by WKYT. Troopers tried to initiate a traffic stop, but the suspect fled, leading to a vehicle pursuit that ended on Bryan Station Road in Fayette County.
The suspect hit a tree with his vehicle and fled on foot, Kearney said. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office told WKYT, the Herald-Leader’s reporting partner, that the suspect had been apprehended. No more information was released.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to call state police at 859-623-2404.
This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 6:53 AM.
